Extraction factor of pure ammonium paratungstate from tungsten scraps

Abstract

Typical oxidation process of tungsten scraps was modified by the rotary kiln with oxygen burner to increase the oxidation rate of tungsten scraps. Also to accelerate the solubility of solid oxidized products, the hydrothermal reflux method was adapted. By heating tungsten scraps in rotary kiln with oxygen burner at around 900° for 2hrs, the scraps was oxidized completely. Then oxidized products (WO 3 and CoWO 4) was fully dissolved in the solution of NaOH by hydrothermal reflux method at 150° for 2hrs. The dissolution rate of oxidized products was increased with increasing the reaction temperature and concentration of NaOH. and then CaWO 4 and H 2 WO 4 could be generated from the aqueous sodium tungstate solution. Ammonium paratungstate (APT) also could be produced from tungstic acid using by aqueous ammonium solution. The morphologies (cubic and plate types) of APT was controlled by the stirring process of purified solution of ammonium paratungstate.